A graveyard seems like a pretty odd spot for lunch… I never planned on coming here, I swear! I was just looking for a quiet spot off of the busy Edinburgh streets. Of course I’m glad this lockdown has come to an end, but I’ve grown used to the quiet. I find the crowded streets almost overwhelming now. And believe me, on this sunny Saturday afternoon they are back with a vengeance! Now I’m finding peace in unexpected places.
This graveyard is known as Greyfriars Kirk, famous for the much-loved Greyfriars Bobby, not to mention Thomas Riddel’s grave – J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for one of the most famous villains in literature. I was only cutting through to get to a quieter street, but low and behold, here I am. Sat on a little hill on the grass, with grave stones all around me. There’s no one else here, but it doesn’t feel creepy. It’s so peaceful. This is one of the only quiet spots in the city. Ironically, just as I finished that last sentence – BOOM – the One o’Clock Gun goes off. It has been going off every day (except Sundays) since 1861: needless to say we residents are used to it now! There’s no true escape from the Edinburgh city noise.
Finding Peace in Nature
Throughout this pandemic, lockdown really has taught us the importance of grounding ourselves in nature. It improves our mood, lowers blood pressure and stress levels, and gives a huge boost to our overall well-being! There’s really no arguing that spending time outside works wonders for our health, both physically and mentally.
The challenge: green space becomes increasingly difficult to find in a world covered in concrete. But if this graveyard has taught me anything today, it’s that we can always make do with what we have, finding peace in unexpected places. The truth is, basking here in the silence for 10 minutes has done much more for my soul than 3 hours of Netflix ever will.
A Lesson from Our Ancestors
As I look at the uneven landscape around me, it dawns on me that I was once told a story about this graveyard. The reason it is so uneven is due to the mound of bodies underneath.
Edinburgh was once a very overcrowded city and they could not keep up with the rate of mortality – perhaps something to do with the fact that people were beheaded for something as little as stealing a loaf of bread. Thank god we don’t live in that time! And yet, our ancestors did. And here I am sitting with them (or on top of them, to be precise!) having lunch.
If it weren’t for their strength living in such a time, we wouldn’t be here today. It puts a lot of things into perspective really. How we can get so consumed by the little things. Sometimes I feel like I have more than my fair share of problems, but hey, I was able to afford this bread I’m eating for lunch (it even has tasty toppings on it!). I didn’t have to steal it, and whatever I do to survive, I’ll never have to live my life in fear of being beheaded! Life is about learning to thrive, not fighting to survive. That is a luxury some do not have. Our ancestors today have reminded me to be strong. Grounding myself here with them has nudged me to let go of my worries, because what I have is enough. More than enough. I am grateful for this.
